AS FRANCE ERUPTS IN RIOTS, HERNANDEZ WARNS NEW YORK COULD BE NEXT WITH $217 BILLION IN DEBT

 

As France erupts in violent riots amid rising costs, deteriorating public services and a mounting debt crisis, Republican State Comptroller nominee Joseph Hernandez warned that New York is heading down a dangerous path, with the State, New York City and MTA owing a combined $217 billion.

 

More than 550,000 people protested across France this weekend, with demonstrations turning violent. Over 1,800 people were arrested, 150 police officers were injured, and approximately 1,500 businesses were damaged. France's debt has reached €3.6 trillion, or 119 percent of its economy, with borrowing costs hitting a 24-year high.

 

New York is facing its own growing debt crisis. New York City owes $112 billion, the State owes $56 billion, and the MTA owes another $49 billion. Taxpayers are paying approximately $1.6 billion every month in principal and interest, including $750 million for the City, $630 million for the State, and $240 million for the MTA. That's money that could otherwise support schools, public safety and essential services.

 

Meanwhile, Albany continues piling on debt through backdoor borrowing that bypasses direct voter approval. The State Comptroller's own office projects $56.4 billion in additional public authority borrowing over the next five years, financing more than 51% of planned capital spending. State-supported debt is projected to soar nearly 64%, leaving just $177 million in borrowing capacity under the statutory debt cap by 2031.

 

"Look at what's happening in France. This is what happens when governments lose control of their finances and leave hardworking taxpayers holding the bag," said Hernandez. "New York is already drowning in $217 billion in debt, and Albany is planning billions more in backdoor borrowing without asking the voters. Meanwhile, families can barely afford to live here."

 

"France should be a wake-up call. If we don't get our spending and borrowing under control, we're next. As Comptroller, I'll expose the backdoor borrowing, strengthen independent audits, root out waste and fraud, and hold Albany accountable for every taxpayer dollar before we reach the breaking point."

Mayor Mamdani Expands Community-Based Violence Prevention to Bushwick, Harlem, and Washington Heights/Inwood

 

Expansion strengthens community-based violence prevention, conflict mediation, street outreach and support through trusted local organizations and credible messengers 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Renita Francois and the Office of Community Safety today announced the expansion of New York City’s Crisis Management System (CMS) to Bushwick, Harlem and Washington Heights/Inwood.  

 

The expansion will strengthen the City’s work of credible messengers — trusted community member who work to mediate conflicts before they become violence — while connecting New Yorkers to jobs, mental health services, mentorship, education and other resources.  The three neighborhoods, known as catchment areas, were selected based on crime data, unmet service needs and other indicators. Each full CMS catchment receives $1.6 million in City funding.  

 

The expansion reflects the Mamdani administration’s evidence-based, whole-of-government approach to public safety: preventing violence before it happens by investing in the people and community organizations that know their neighborhoods best. 

 

“Public safety is strongest when it begins with prevention and when communities have the resources to resolve conflict, support young people and keep their neighbors safe,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “By expanding the Crisis Management System in Bushwick, Harlem and Washington Heights/Inwood, we are investing in trusted local organizations and credible messengers who know their communities and have earned their trust. That is how we build a safer New York City: by pairing accountability with opportunity and making sure every neighborhood has the resources to keep its people safe.” 

 

“Every New Yorker deserves to be safe in their neighborhood, and that safety is strongest when it is built with — not imposed on — communities,” said Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Renita Francois. “This expansion gives trusted local partners the resources they need to reach people before a crisis, interrupt violence and respond to community needs with care, credibility and urgency.” 

 

Developed through investments from the City Council and the administration more than a decade ago, the CMS is a network of community-based organizations working to prevent and reduce gun violence in neighborhoods most affected by it. CMS combines immediate conflict prevention with sustained support to help New Yorkers build safer futures. 

 

CMS partners deploy trained outreach workers and violence interrupters, often known as credible messengers, who have deep roots in their communities and are able to build trust with people at greatest risk of becoming involved in violence. Teams identify and de-escalate disputes before they turn violent, support residents after violent incidents and help prevent retaliation. They also connect participants to job training, employment, education, mental health care, legal assistance and other services.  

 

CMS currently operates across 46 neighborhood service areas. 

Bushwick 

 

In Bushwick, the City will expand The Wick Against Violence, operated by Southside United, to strengthen neighborhood outreach and support residents at risk of gun violence. The investment builds on Southside United’s existing work at Woodhull Hospital and programming at Bushwick Houses, giving the organization additional resources to deepen neighborhood outreach and provide sustained support to residents at risk of gun violence. 

 

Harlem 

 

The new investment will expand Living Redemption’s neighborhood outreach and conflict-mediation work, while connecting more young people and families with trusted mentors and pathways to employment, education and other support.  

 

Washington Heights/Inwood 

 

In Washington Heights/Inwood, the City will establish a new CMS street-outreach team through Grow Up Grow Out Jr., operated by United Way, bringing CMS outreach services to an area the network has not previously covered. Trained neighborhood workers will provide street outreach, conflict mediation and ongoing support to residents at risk of becoming involved in violence. 

 

Permits Filed for 2314 Cambreleng Avenue in Belmont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 2314 Cambreleng Avenue in Belmont, The Bronx. Located between East 183rd Street and East 187th Street, the lot is closest to the 182-183 Streets subway station, served by the B and D trains. Xhuljano Shala is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 39-foot-tall development will yield 6,602 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 12 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 550 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a penthouse and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

Jakov Saric of Node Architecture, Engineering, Consulting PC is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Attorney General James, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Protects Access to Affordable Road Repair Services in Western and Central New York

 

AG James Protects Competition Amid Merger of Asphalt Companies That Counties and Towns Rely on for Road Repairs

New York Attorney General Letitia James ensured that towns and counties in Western and Central New York will continue to have fair options for critical road repair services. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) found that a proposed merger of Colas Inc. (Colas) and Suit-Kote Corporation (Suit-Kote) would have unfairly reduced competition for road maintenance services, leaving many local governments with just one company to turn to when they need to conduct repairs to keep their roads safe. After DOJ terminated its review, which would have allowed the merger to proceed unconditionally, Attorney General James and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday continued their investigations. As a result, Colas must sell one of its facilities in Pennsylvania and three former Suit-Kote facilities in New York to a qualified buyer to maintain competition.

“No one should be forced to pay unfair prices for safe, well-maintained roads,” said Attorney General James. “Protecting competition in this industry will ensure New Yorkers’ tax dollars are spent fairly and asphalt companies will continue to provide high-quality services to our towns and counties.”

“This action will protect critical roadway infrastructure in central and western Pennsylvania, and for our neighbors to the north, and preserve the government funds that pay for it,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday. “Antitrust work is essential as it ensures transactions between companies do not harm families, local economies, and consumers.”

Colas and Suit-Kote are asphalt companies that both provide road repair services in New York and Pennsylvania. In New York, the majority of road mileage is comprised of county and local roads, which are maintained by county and local governments. Because county and municipal highway departments rarely have the specialized crews and equipment needed to perform the necessary road repairs, they often rely on “turnkey” service providers like Colas and Suit-Kote who both supply the asphalt and apply it to repair the roads.

The OAG’s investigation found that for several counties in Western and Central New York – including Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wayne, and the municipalities included in their county’s contracts – Colas and Suit-Kote were often the only two regular bidders for turnkey road repair services. The proposed merger under Colas threatened to eliminate this competition, giving Colas the power to demand higher prices and eliminating its incentive to invest in higher quality services and innovation.

Under the settlement, Colas will be required to sell several of its locations to a single, competitive buyer. Colas must sell Suit-Kote’s regional headquarters in Jamestown, its manufacturing and storage facilities in Buffalo and Belmont, and a Colas facility in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. The buyer will also have the option to purchase additional equipment from Colas, such as vehicles for transporting and applying asphalt. The locations Colas is required to sell include facilities that are strategically located to serve customers throughout Western and Central New York, with easy access to key suppliers and ample capacity to produce millions of gallons of asphalt emulsions each year. As a result, local and county governments in areas affected by the merger will continue to have competing options for road maintenance services.

Illegal Alien Admits to Illegally Voting in Federal Election in New Jersey

 

An illegal alien from Jamaica admitted to illegally voting in a federal election, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey announced.

Gaye Tyndale-Simpson, an illegal alien from Jamaica, pleaded guilty to one count of voting by an alien in a federal election before U.S. Magistrate Rukhsanah L. Singh in federal court in Trenton, New Jersey.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Tyndale-Simpson, 55, is a citizen of Jamaica and has never been a citizen of the United States. In November 2024, Tyndale-Simpson voted in the general election that was held in part for the purpose of electing a candidate for the office of the President.

The voting by an alien charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in prison and a $100,000 fine.  Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Singh on Feb. 24, 2027.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, New York Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Wood, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with the investigation.

This case was brought under the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Election Integrity Task Force, a coalition of federal law enforcement partners focused on preserving and protecting the integrity of elections conducted in the District of New Jersey.

Secretary Mullin and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott Visit CBP Cargo Processing Facility in Arizona

 

United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott toured a cargo processing facility in Arizona, seeing firsthand how CBP keeps harmful contraband from entering the United States.

At the cargo inspection facility at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, CBP personnel inspect imported goods for illegal drugs, fraudulent labeling, and other national security threats. Among the items that were seen during the visit were baseball jerseys that were labeled as being manufactured in Mexico, but were actually manufactured in China.

“The hardworking men and women of CBP look at almost every package that comes in, so that dangerous drugs, counterfeit products, and other harmful contraband does not come into our country,” said Secretary Mullin. “The patriots at CBP understand these criminals’ patterns, how the traffickers and cartels try to get around the duties and customs, and the way they try to ship things into our country. That’s why experience matters.”

Secretary Mullin and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott (right) tour a CBP cargo inspection facility at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Secretary Mullin meets with CBP personnel in Phoenix, Arizona.

Secretary Mullin also oversaw several deportation flights out of Arizona, removing illegal aliens back to Mexico. Among those deported on Friday were pedophiles, violent assailants, drug traffickers, drunk drivers, burglars, and gang members.

Nigerian Man Sentenced To Eight Years For Hacking, Fraud, And Identity Theft Schemes

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, announced that CHUKWUEMEKA VICTOR AMACHUKWU, a/k/a “Chukwuemeka Victor Eletuo,” a/k/a “So Kwan Leung,” was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe to eight years in prison for his role in multiple fraud, hacking, and identity theft offenses. AMACHUKWU previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

“Chukwuemeka Amachukwu believed he was operating safely offshore when he targeted his victims, but he has now been held to account and now faces a serious sentence for his crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Amachukwu took part in sophisticated schemes to hack into U.S. businesses, steal and use stolen identity information of victims, and commit fraud. These crimes imposed significant harm on the victims and the public, and so it is only appropriate that the crimes also come with a significant sentence for the defendant.”

According to the Superseding Indictments, public court filings, and statements made in court:

Beginning in at least in or about 2019, AMACHUKWU, his co-conspirator Kinglsey Uchelue Utulu, and other Nigeria-based conspirators took part in a scheme to hack into U.S-based tax preparation businesses. The conspirators utilized spearphishing emails to obtain access to these business’s electronic systems. Once they had obtained access, the conspirators stole the tax and other identifying information for at least approximately 800 of the business’ customers. The conspirators hacked into several U.S. based tax businesses, located in New York, Texas, and other states. 

The conspirators obtained the stolen identity information of thousands of individuals. They used this information to file fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities. The conspirators sought fraudulent refunds of at least approximately $8.4 million, of which they successfully obtained at least approximately $2.5 million. 

In addition to filing fraudulent tax returns, the conspirators used the stolen identities to file fraudulent claims with the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The conspirators were able to obtain at least an additional approximately $819,000 in fraudulent payouts.

In addition, AMACHUKWU took part in a fraud scheme in which he offered U.S. victims investments in purportedly valuable standby letters of credit. In the course of this scheme, AMACHUKWU impersonated a wealthy overseas financier in order to fool his victims. In reality, these investments did not exist, and AMACHUKWU and his co-conspirators were able to pocket more than $7 million in fraudulent proceeds. 

In addition to the prison term, AMACHUKWU, 40, of Nigeria, was sentenced to one year of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in an amount of $3,647,629.39 and forfeiture in the amount of $10,846,634.39.

Mr. McDonald thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its outstanding work.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.

ALLERTON HOMEOWNERS & TENANTS ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY MEETING - OCTOBER 22ND 2026

Hello Neighbors,

Just a reminder about our meeting this Thursday.  Please join us for this informative presentation on the battery storage facility that will lease space on Boston Road.  

Come out and bring your questions.  Please share this and invite a neighbor.  

Remember, what affects one of us affects all of us.   

ALLERTON HOMEOWNERS & TENANTS ASSOCIATION 

ADVOCATING FOR THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 50 YEARS!

The Allerton Homeowners & Tenants Association invites residents to attend our 

October 22nd, 2026, 7 PM - Community Meeting. 

GUEST:

SPEAKER: MICHAEL PORTO

FROM: ORENDA INC. - 

TOPIC: BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE FACILITY 

SITE: 2524 BOSTON RD.

WE WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSING THE PROPOSALS ON THE BACK OF THE BALLOT

BRING YOUR QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Elected officials' representatives will be present with updates

DATE: THURSDAY, October 22, 2026 - Time: 7 PM

Location: Kings Harbor 

2000 East Gunhill Road 

Please use the back entrance around the corner on Ely Avenue

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Together, let us advocate for the change we want to see in our community.

Email us: allertonhomeowners@gmail.com